An airline passenger has explained why they decided to open the door of their plane while it was mid-flight.

For many people air travel is a thoroughly unpleasant experience. I for one have to make peace with whatever gods might be listening every time I step into the cabin of an airliner.

The thought of another passenger opening the door while the plane is mid-flight is enough turn me into a gibbering wreck, even with both feet firmly on the ground.

Twitter/Rainbowmach1/News1

For the 194 passengers, including primary and middle school children, this became an awful reality after a 33-year-old man allegedly opened one of the emergency doors on the Airbus A321 while the plane was making its landing approach.

The aircraft had been returning to Daegu International Airport in South Korea from Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination.

Terrifying video footage shows wind tearing through the cabin.

Everything inside the cabin is buffeted around and the noise sounds deafening as air rips through the open door.

The plane was at an altitude of around 700ft at the time.

Luckily everybody remained within the aircraft, and it was able to land safely with the door still open.

However, 12 passengers had to be taken to hospital after suffering from breathing difficulties following the terrifying ordeal, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Twitter/Rainbowmach1/News1

A mother-of-one of the schoolchildren on board said: "The children were shaking, crying and frightened. Those sitting near the exit must have been shocked the most.”

A 33-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the incident. An official said: “It is difficult to have a normal conversation with him.

"We will investigate the motive of the crime and punish him.”

The man has since claimed that he wanted to 'get off quickly', allegedly also telling police that he had felt 'suffocated'.

He also added that he was stressed after losing his job.

Local media reports have said that man appeared to be travelling alone.

He also did not appear to have been intoxicated when the incident took place.

The man is now being questioned by authorities in connection to the incident.

An official said: “Police are investigating the incident after a passenger who was sitting near the emergency exit said he touched its lever.”